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Community Corner

"YOU CAN'T UNSCRAMBLE THE EGGS"

An additional seventeen people expressed their concerns to the New Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment at last night’s special meeting. One after one they detailed the negative impacts that development of the United Water property would create. At the prior meeting on Jan. 23, twenty-two objectors did the same.

The S. Hekemian Group wants to build a 70,500-square-foot supermarket, 4,300-square-foot bank and 24-unit apartment complex on the property adjacent to New Milford High School. It is currently zoned only for residential use.

The eloquent presentations began with Casey Hittel who pleaded with the zoning board for a denial of this application. She is hoping that New Milford can retain its small town atmosphere saying that “we are not Paramus.” Along with most of the other objectors, she detailed the negative impacts on the quality of life the residents of New Milford would experience.

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One after one, residents came forward with concerns about safety, traffic, noise and air pollution, loss of trees, higher taxes, declines in property values, and increased flooding. John Podesta, in comparing what is there now to what will be there if this plan is allowed to go forward, quoted his father. “You can’t unscramble the eggs” may be the new rallying cry.

Anna Leone was forceful in her assertions that the “experts” employed by the developer have completely lacked credibility. Mike Gadaleta, who spoke right after Ms. Leone, explained that the “experts” unfamiliarity with New Milford has led to a design that would result in “haphazard zoning.” He cited existing New Milford land use ordinances that prohibit this type of development. Thea Sirocchi said that she wants New Milford to remain New Milford, not Hekemianville. Ulises Cabrera detailed the deceptive ploys of the developer to try to get the zoning changed by the Mayor & Council.

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Public comments concluded with two attorneys. Al Alonso, a New Milford resident who also happens to be a land use attorney, asserted that the applicant has not met the burden of proof necessary to approve this application. He agreed with Ms. Leone that the experts lacked credibility. Mr.Alonso indicated that based on the recent Branchburg decision, denying this application would stand up in court. He also stressed that any litigation costs involved in defending this decision would be far less than the $1.25 million road widening price tag that New Milford would be responsible for if this development was approved.

Louis Flora, the attorney representing the borough of Oradell as objectors, said the crux of the case is that the applicant is trying to do by variance what was not done by zoning. He detailed the refusals of the applicant to provide various studies that would have been beneficial to the zoning board in reaching a decision.

The next meeting of the Zoning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 11. The applicant’s lead counsel, Andy DelVecchio, is expected to provide his closing comments. After deliberations, the board is expected to reach its final decision no later than Feb. 20. The residents of New Milford who have been adamant in their disapproval of this application are hoping that the Zoning Board will keep in mind that “you can’t unscramble the eggs.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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